System and method for storing items

ABSTRACT

A system for storing items is provided. The system includes a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within said internal space, said storage space having reduced volume and optionally pressure as compared to said internal space. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet to thereby generate the storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to the internal space.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/IL2012/050180 having the International filing date of May 20, 2012,which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/488,173 filed May 20, 2011 and61/542,344 filed Oct. 3, 2011, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for storing itemsand specifically to a system that can be used to preserve or secureitems under reduced volume and optionally pressure while enabling rapidaccess to stored items.

One of the problems facing households and suppliers is an inability toeffectively preserve perishable items such as food and medication.Oxygen and humidity in the air accelerate the chemical breakdown andmicrobial spoilage of many items. Insects, mites and rodents are alsocommon causes of food spoilage, and they may also serve as carriers intransmitting diseases. Metabolic change within food items can also causefood spoilage in raw foods. For example, meat and fruit contain enzymesthat will cause the breakdown of tissues.

Regardless of the cause of spoilage, the end result is wastage ofsurpluses in all steps of the food supply chain and a major economic,environmental and social concern.

Numerous approaches have been developed to help preserve perishableitems. For example, vacuum packaging which removes air from packagehelps to preserve foods by eliminating some or all of the air inside thepackage.

One example of a vacuum sealing system is the Foodsaver® system whichutilizes a bag/container and sealing device to seal food items undervacuum and keep it fresh up to 5 times longer than ordinary storagedevices like zipper bags, foil, plastic wrap, lid-top containers and thelike.

More complicated vacuum systems which are integrated into refrigeratorsand the like are also known.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,875 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No.20090194193 are directed to a refrigerator drawer for storing fruits andvegetables. The drawer plugs into a vacuum source in a refrigerator toevacuate air from the storage compartment. The drawer contains amechanism to release the pressure in order to open the drawer andretrieve the food products. Notably, every time a user opens the drawerto retrieve food, the vacuum source must be re-activated in order toevacuate air from the drawer.

The above described vacuum systems suffer from several inherentlimitations. Since the vacuum compartment is rigid, the amount of airthat can be removed therefrom is typically about 10% of the air volumein the compartment (10% absolute vacuum). This is due to the fact thatdrawing air from a rigid compartment requires a large vacuum force andproduces external forces on the compartment which can lead to collapseof the compartment.

In addition, drawing air out of a rigid compartment can take severalminutes and requires a large capacity vacuum pump due to the buildup ofnegative pressure within the rigid compartment.

While reducing the present invention to practice, the present inventorshave devised a storage system which traverses the above describedlimitations of prior art devices and provides a reduced volume and/orpressure chamber which can, for example, maintain an item storageenvironment having a vacuum-equivalent value of 95% (equivalent to a 95%vacuum) or more and yet be activatable to establish such an environmentwithin seconds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided asystem for storing items comprising a rigid chamber having an internalspace and including a mechanism for generating a storage space withinthe internal space, the storage space having reduced volume andoptionally pressure as compared to the internal space.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the inventiondescribed below, the mechanism includes a pliable sheet defining atleast one wall of the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the system further comprises a device for creating apressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliablesheet to thereby generate the storage space characterized by reducedvolume and pressure as compared to the internal space.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the pressure difference deforms the pliable sheet.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the device is optionally a pump capable of drawing air outof the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the device is a blower capable of pressurizing a portion ofthe internal space not occupied by the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments at least one wall defining the internal space of the rigidcontainer also defines a wall of the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the pliable sheet is elastic.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the pliable sheet is fabricated from silicone or latex.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the pliable sheet is capable of at least partially wrappingthe items stored in the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the rigid chamber is configured as a container having a lid.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the rigid chamber is configured as a drawer.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the drawer includes a sealing surface for sealing the rigidchamber when the drawer is closed.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the sealing surface is configured such that opening andclosing of the drawer does not substantially generate friction on thesealing surface.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the sealing surface is angled with respect to an axis ofmovement of the drawer.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the system further comprises a shelf for holding the items,the shelf being configured for allowing air to flow around or throughthe shelf.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowingair to flow therethrough in a vertical and/or substantially horizontaldirection with respect to a surface of the shelf.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the storage space is capable of supporting a vacuumequivalent of 0.15 Atms (85%).

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments shelf is configured as a woven grid.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of storing items comprising: (a) placing the items in a rigidchamber having an internal space and including a mechanism forgenerating a storage space within the internal space, the storage spacebeing capable of supporting reduced air pressure and volume as comparedto the internal space; and (b) activating the mechanism to generate thestorage space around the items.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the mechanism includes a pliable sheet and the activatingincludes: (i) creating a pressure difference between a first and asecond surface of the pliable sheet thereby deforming the pliable sheetand at least partially wrapping the items placed in the rigid chamber.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the pliable sheet is elastic.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the pressure difference is effected via a vacuum pumpcapable of drawing air out of the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the pressure difference is effected via a blower capable ofpressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storagespace.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the items are food items, pharmaceutical items, fragileitems, electronic devices, mechanical and the like.

According to still further features in the described preferredembodiments the items are fragile items and the storing is effected forsecuring the items.

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of thepresently known configurations by providing a vacuum storage system thatcan quickly establish and easily maintain a vacuum-equivalent of 80-95%in a rigid chamber without need for heavy duty vacuum pumps or robustchamber construction.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. In addition, the materials,methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to belimiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now tothe drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are byway of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presentedin the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful andreadily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspectsof the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structuraldetails of the invention in more detail than is necessary for afundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken withthe drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the severalforms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1-2 are schematic side views of the present storage system in anon-deployed (FIG. 1) and deployed (FIG. 2) states.

FIGS. 3-4 are schematic perspective drawings of a drawer embodiment ofthe present system in assembled (FIG. 3) and disassembled (FIG. 4)configurations.

FIGS. 5-6 are schematic side views of the drawer of FIGS. 3-4 in anon-deployed (FIG. 5) and deployed (FIG. 6) states.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective drawing of a lid top containerembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a prototype drawer configuration of the presentinvention showing the drawer in an open position (FIG. 8A), a closedposition (FIG. 8B) and deployed state (FIG. 8C).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of system and method which can be used to storeitems in a rigid container under reduced volume and optionally pressure.Specifically, the present invention can be used to store perishableitems such as food and medication as well as secure items againstmovement.

The principles and operation of the present invention may be betterunderstood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details set forth in the following description or exemplified bythe Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of beingpracticed or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Vacuum storage systems typically utilize bags or rigid containers tostore perishable items such as food. Rigid vacuum chambers (e.g.refrigerator vacuum compartments) are advantageous in that they providea protective and supportive storage space, however, rigid vacuumcontainers are limited by the extent of vacuum produced therein and bythe external forces produced on the container by an established vacuum.

For example, a 90% vacuum (10% air) in a rigid container 60 cm long, 15cm deep and 30 cm high would produce an external force that can becalculated using:

F=ΔP×A

wherein F is force, P is pressure and A is the area of one side of thecontainer.

The force acting on a single side of the container can be solved bymultiplying 0.9 Atm (ΔP) by 1800 cm² (A−60×30). The result is 1620 Kg offorce on one side of the container. Since the container has 6 sides,2×(60×30)+2×(45×30)+2×(60×45), the total area is 11700 cm² and the totalforce acting on the external surface of the container (when maintainedat 90% vacuum) is 10.5 tons.

Since such a force can easily crush the container, establishing anabsolute vacuum of 90% or even 60% therein is impractical. As such,rigid vacuum containers typically maintain a vacuum of about 10% (90% ofair remaining) depending on the type of container and vacuum pump used.

The present inventors set out to solve this problem and provide a rigidcontainer that can maintain a vacuum-equivalent of 80-95% or more andyet would not be subjected to extreme external forces while enablingeasy and rapid establishment and release of vacuum using an ordinary offthe shelf vacuum pump.

As is further described herein, the present inventors devised a systemwhich includes a rigid chamber and a mechanism for generating a storagespace within the internal space of the rigid chamber. Such a mechanismenables to reduce both air volume and optionally pressure around storeditems and as a result reduce the air environment surrounding the itemsby as much as 90% or more.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention there is provideda system for storing items.

As used herein, the term “items” refers to perishable items such as food(raw or processed) or medication or to any item that can be stored forthe purpose of conservation (electronic goods, vehicles), securement(e.g. for transport) and the like. The size of the items can vary fromcentimeters to meters or more in length, width or height.

As used herein, the term “vacuum” (absolute) refers to reduced airpressure/volume with respect to ambient air (1 atm at sea level). Vacuumcan be designated in atm in which case any value below 1 atm is a vacuumand a lower value denotes a higher vacuum force, or in %, in which caseany value above 0% is a vacuum with higher numbers denoting a highervacuum force. A 90% vacuum denotes that 90% of the air has beenremoved—equivalent to a vacuum of 0.1 atm.

As used herein, the phrase “vacuum-equivalent” refers to a valuecharacterizing the storage space of the present invention. Avacuum-equivalent value is identical to a corresponding absolute vacuumvalue in as far as the effect on stored items (e.g. preservation) but isachieved by a reduction in volume and pressure and not just pressurealone. For example, a vacuum equivalent of 91.5% is equivalent inenvironmental terms (environment in which the items are placed) to anabsolute vacuum of 91.5% but is achieved by a reduction of pressure of0.15 Atm and a reduction in volume of 90%.

As used herein, the term “rigid” when used in context with the chamberor container of the present system refers to the ability of thechamber/container to maintain its shape under gravity.

As is mentioned hereinabove, the system of the present inventionincludes a rigid chamber having an internal space and a mechanism whichis positioned within the internal space of the rigid chamber and isdesigned for generating a storage space therein. The storage space iscapable of maintaining a reduced volume and pressure (vacuum) ascompared to the internal space and the air outside the chamber.

In order to generate and maintain reduced volume and pressure in thestorage space, the mechanism is configured for accommodating thereduction of air volume and pressure in the storage space. Suchaccommodation prevents any appreciable ΔP between the storagespace/internal space and the environment surrounding the rigid chamber.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the system of the present invention which isreferred to herein as system 10.

System 10 includes a rigid chamber 12 which in this case is shaped as abox (shown in side—cutaway view in FIGS. 1-2) having side walls 14, topwall 16, bottom wall 18 and side panels 20 (not shown). Rigid chambercan be configured in any shape including any number of walls surroundingan internal space of any shape and volume. Examples of chamber shapesinclude spherical, rectangular, trapezoid, triangular and the like.

Rigid chamber 12 can be fabricated using any known approaches from anymaterial suitable for the construction of containers. Examples includewood, plastic, metal and the like. The volume of the internal space ofrigid chamber 12 can vary from less than a liter to thousands of litersor more depending on the items to be stored.

Walls 14, 16, 18 and panels 20 define an internal space 22 which istypically maintained at ambient air pressure. In FIGS. 1-2, internalsurface 24 of bottom wall 18 serves as a storage platform for items 26.It will be appreciated that any other internal surface of rigid chamber12 can also be used for storage by using shelves or item-attachmentelements such as hooks and the like.

System 10 also includes a mechanism 28 for generating a storage space 30within internal space 22. Unlike internal space 22 which is static andis defined by walls 14, 16, 18 and panels 20, storage space is dynamic,and as such the volume thereof is modifiable by mechanism 28. Storagespace 30 can include one or more storage areas. In the configurationshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, storage space has a single storage area.However, storage space 30 can be divided into 2 or more storage areas bypositioning one or more dividers (e.g. upright walls) within storagespace 30.

In FIG. 1, storage space (indicated by diagonal lines) occupies nearlyall of the internal space 22 of rigid chamber 12, while in FIG. 2 itoccupies less than 15% of internal space 22 (a little more that thevolume of items placed in rigid chamber 12).

As is mentioned hereinabove, mechanism 28 is designed to accommodate fora reduction in air volume/pressure within storage space 30.

To enable such accommodation, mechanism 28 is preferably configured as apliable sheet 32. Pliable sheet can be fabricated from any opaque ortransparent polymer, examples of suitable materials include,polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and the like.

In FIGS. 1-2 the top of storage space 30 is defined by pliable sheet 32,while the bottom of storage space 30 is defined by bottom wall 18.Pliable sheet 32 is secured (glued, stapled etc) to side walls 14 and/orside panels 20 anywhere along a height thereof (Secured at midpoint 34in FIGS. 1-2). Preferably, pliable sheet 32 is secured to side walls 14and/or side panels 20 above a midpoint in height. Since storage space 30is defined at the top by pliable sheet 32 it is preferably not securednear or at the bottom of the side walls or to bottom wall 18.

As is mentioned hereinabove, storage space 30 is capable of maintainingreduced air pressure and volume as compared to internal space 22 or theair outside rigid chamber 12. As air is evacuated from storage space 30,pliable sheet 32 accommodates such evacuation and moves down withininternal space 22 to gradually reduce the volume of storage space 30. Asis shown in FIG. 2, removal of most of the air results in partial orcomplete wrapping of items 26 by pliable sheet 32 and generation of astorage space 30 which is characterized by reduced air volume (e.g.80-90% reduction) and air pressure (e.g. 0.1.-0.2 Atm reduction) ascompared to internal space 22.

In order to effectively warp items 26 and maximize air evacuation whileminimizing the volume of resultant storage space 32 (as shown in FIG.2), pliable sheet 32 is preferably configured for increasing in surfacearea with gradual reduction in storage space 30 volume (during airevacuation from storage space 30). The extent of surface increasedesired in pliable sheet 32 will depend on the dimension of rigidchamber 12 and the position of pliable sheet 32 in internal space 22.Such an increase in surface area can be accomplished by utilizing apliable sheet 32 which is folded or rolled when in the position shown inFIG. 1 and expanded when in the position shown in FIG. 2. For example,pliable sheet 32 can be folded like an accordion and gradually openduring air evacuation.

Effective wrapping of items can also be achieved by using a pliablesheet 32 which is elastic. As air is drawn out, an elastic pliable sheet32 will stretch (elastically deform) to effectively and completely wrapitems 26. Examples of materials suitable for use in an elasticconfiguration of pliable sheet 32 include silicon rubber, latex and thelike. A preferred elastic elongation for pliable sheet 32 is in therange of up to 800%.

Evacuation of air from storage space 30 can be effected using one ofseveral approaches.

One approach can utilize a frame positioned on top of pliable sheet 32and inside internal space 22 for pushing pliable sheet 32 (folded orelastic) downwards (arrow 34) onto items 26. The frame (not shown) canbe actuated downwards via a servo or motor or by manual actuation of alever (not shown) positioned outside rigid chamber 12 and in operablecommunication with the frame.

A presently preferred approach for reducing a volume of storage space 30utilizes a pump or blower to create a pressure differential acrosspliable sheet 32.

In that respect, system 10 can include a blower 36 which is in fluidcommunication with internal space 22 via air hose 38 and port 40 or avacuum pump 36 which is in communication with storage space 30 via airhose 42 and port 44.

Although use of a vacuum pump is presently preferred, it will beappreciated that other sources of vacuum such as a water aspirator canalso be used by the present invention.

A configuration of system 10 employing blower 36 increases the airpressure and volume above pliable sheet 32 to thereby push it downwardand evacuate the air from storage space 30. The air evacuated fromstorage space 30 is then pushed out through outlet port 46 (whichincludes a one way valve).

A configuration of system 10 employing vacuum pump 36 decreases the airvolume and pressure under pliable sheet 32 by suctioning it out tothereby pull pliable sheet 32 downward and evacuate the air from storagespace 30.

It will be appreciated that a vacuum pump 36 can route the air evacuatedfrom storage space 30 to the space above pliable sheet 32.

Blower 36 can be any blower capable of blowing air at a pressure of100-600 mm H₂O (0.01-0.06 Atm), examples include the RYOBI BL-3500(Ryobi Ltd. USA). Vacuum pump 36 can be any vacuum pump capable ofsucking air at a pressure equivalent to 300-1200 mm H₂O (0.03-0.12 Atm),examples include the UFESA AM4330 (BSH Electrodomésticos, Spain).

The internal diameters (ID) of air hoses 38 and 42 and ports 40 and 44are preferably large enough to allow rapid air evacuation and enableevacuation of 80-90% of the air within seconds. The ID of air hoses 38and 42 can be the ID of the pump inlet or less.

The example section which follows describes a prototype system which wasconstructed using a plywood cabinet and a Lucite storage chamber. As isdetailed therein, such a configuration of system 10 enables nearcomplete evacuation of air (90%) and creation of a pressure of 0.85 Atmwithin 3 seconds and restoration of air volume and pressure within 3seconds.

In order to enhance air evacuation from storage space 30, system 10which utilizes a blower/vacuum pump 36 further includes a rack/shelf 48which is configured for allowing air to flow around or therethrough.Rack/shelf 48 is positioned on top of and preferably some distance awayfrom (e.g. 5-20 mm) the internal surface of bottom wall 18.

Rack/shelf 48 is preferably configured to enable air to flowtherethrough in a direction both perpendicular to, and horizontal with asurface thereof. In that respect, rack/shelf 48 is configured as ascreen/grid made of woven wires. Such a configuration ensures that items26 placed on rack/shelf 48 do not completely block air passages formedin the screen/grid since the woven wires form an uneven surface. Thisensures that air movement out of storage space 32 is unimpeded and flowsunder items 26 (in between the bottom surface of items 26 and the topsurface of rack/shelf 48). If shelf/rack 48 was configured as, forexample, a perforated sheet, items 26 placed on such a perforated sheetwould block air passages and impede air movement. Rack/shelf 48 alsoprevents blocking of port 44.

Such unimpeded airflow can also be achieved by configuring internalsurface of bottom wall 18 with finger-like projections (an example ofwhich is shown in FIG. 7).

System 10 can also include a screen 50 which is positioned against theinternal surface of top wall 16. Such a screen 50 serves the samepurpose of providing unimpeded air flow into internal space 22 whenpliable sheet is positioned as shown in FIG. 1.

System 10 further includes a user interface for controlling actuation ofstorage space 30. Such a user interface can include controls foractuating, for example, vacuum pump 36 and a display for displaying to auser the air pressure, humidity and temperature within storage space 30,as well as warning messages (e.g. loss of vacuum and loss of power).

System 10 of the present invention can be configured as any type ofopenable container. Examples include, front access containers (e.g.compartments with openable panel, drawers) and top-access containers(e.g. lid-top boxes). The following describes several specificembodiments of system 10.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate a drawer configuration of system 10 in an assembled(FIG. 3) and disassembled (FIG. 4) configurations and inside viewsshowing a non-deployed (FIG. 5) and deployed (FIG. 6) states. Drawerconfiguration of system 10 is referred to herein under as drawer 50.

Drawer 50 includes a static drawer structure 52 (e.g. cabinet) and amovable drawer structure 54 (e.g. drawer) which moves in and out ofstatic drawer structure 52 on rails 56. Drawer 50 also includes vacuumpump 58 and associated hoses and ports 60.

Static drawer structure 52 is an open box, wherein walls 64, 66, 68 and70 form a front opening 72 and a back opening 74. Front opening 72 isconfigured for receiving movable drawer structure 54. Back opening 74can be open or closed with a panel.

Static drawer structure 52 also includes a triangular/trapezoidsubassembly 76 (shown in FIG. 4) which is fitted within a top half ofstatic drawer structure 52. Subassembly 76 includes a seal 78 (rubber orsilicone gasket) which is fitted to a bottom edge surface of the wallsthereof (preferably into a groove or slot within this surface). Seal 78can be glued to this surface using an appropriate adhesive or forciblypressed into a groove in the surface (as shown in FIGS. 5-6). Seal 78 ora second seal (not shown) can also be fitted to, or into, the top edgesurface of movable drawer structure 54.

An elastic pliable sheet 82 (identical in function to pliable sheet 32described above) fabricated from latex can be attached to the top edgesurface 84 or bottom edge surface 85 of the walls of static drawerstructure 52 via of, for example, glue. It will be appreciated that whenelastic pliable sheet 82 is attached to bottom edge surface 85 of thewalls of static drawer structure 52, seal 78 is preferably attached orforcibly inserted into, a top edge surface of walls 86, 88, 90 and 92 ofmovable drawer structure 54.

Movable drawer structure 54 has a triangular/trapezoid shape and isconstructed from bottom wall 86, a front wall 90 (with front panel 91),a back wall 92 and a pair of side-walls 88. The top-edge of eachside-wall 88 is preferably inclined, slopping downwards in the directionof back wall 92 (i.e. angled with respect to axis of movement of movabledrawer structure 54).

The slope of side-walls 88 complements the downward slope of the bottomedges of the side walls of subassembly 76. Thus, in a closed state,movable drawer structure 54 and subassembly 76 form an internal spacewhich is sealed by seal 78 and edges of pliable sheet 82. Since thesealing surface is sloped with respect to the axis of movement ofmovable drawer structure 54, opening and closing of movable drawerstructure 54 does not apply any substantial friction on seal 78 orpliable sheet 82 and thus does not damage sealing capabilities over timeand use.

Alternative approaches for sealing a movable open top drawer withoutcreating friction on seals include inflatable seals which inflatefollowing closing can deflate prior to opening of movable drawerstructure 54.

Drawer 50 further includes screen 94 (identical in function torack/shelf 48 described above) which is fitted on top of the internalsurface of bottom wall 86.

Drawer 50 is operated by opening movable drawer structure 54 placingitems onto screen 94, closing movable drawer structure 54 and activatingvacuum pump 58 to remove air from the storage space formed under pliablesheet 82.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate drawer 50 in a non-deployed (FIG. 5) and deployed(FIG. 6) states.

As shown in FIG. 5, prior to activation of vacuum pump 58, pliable sheet82 is positioned along the top edge of movable drawer structure 54(angling down from front to back) defining a top wall of storage space100 (denoted by diagonal lines). Once vacuum is activated (by forexample pressing front panel button 103 or by simply closing drawer 50),pliable sheet 82 is pulled downward by the vacuum force to warp items102 placed over screen 94 and generate a storage space characterized byreduced air volume and pressure as compared to internal space 104 ofdrawer 50.

Button 103 can be activated again to release the vacuum and draw in airthrough port 106. Once pliable sheet 82 return to the position of FIG.5, movable drawer structure 54 can be opened. Button 103 can also beused to override automatic vacuum activation (when drawer 50 is closed)in cases where activation of vacuum is not desired.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lid-top container embodiment of the presentinvention which is referred to herein as container 150.

Container 150 includes a container body 152 constructed from bottom wall154 and side walls 156. Container body 152 can be fabricated from opaqueor transparent polymers such as polycarbonate or ABS using blow molding,vacuum-forming or casting techniques or from metal or glass.

Container 150 also includes a lid 158 for closing a top opening 160 ofcontainer body 152. Lid 158 can be fabricated from any suitable materialand can couple with container body 152 using well known approaches.

Container 150 also includes pliable sheet 162 (latex or silicone) whichis attached to a frame 164. Frame 164 and pliable sheet 162 arepreferably dimensioned to fit into container body 152 in closecommunication with the internal surface of side walls 156.

Internal surface 166 of bottom wall 154 is configured with finger-likeprojections 168 which provide a support surface for stored items andallow unimpeded air movement from a storage space of container body 152(volume between pliable sheet 162 and internal surface 166). In thatrespect, projections 168 function like a woven grid.

Container 150 also includes a vacuum port 170 positioned at the bottomof side wall 156. To use container 150, a user simply opens lid 158 andremoves frame 164 and mounted pliable sheet 162. The user then placesitems on top of projections 168, replaces frame 164 and attached pliablesheet 162, closes lid and connects vacuum port 170 to a vacuum source(vacuum pump). The vacuum pump can then be activated to draw pliablesheet 162 down over the items and generate a storage space characterizedby reduced volume and pressure.

In addition to being capable of reduced volume and pressure, drawer 50can also include cooling and humidity control mechanism (e.g.refrigeration mechanism) as well as internal lighting (activated upondrawer opening) and the like.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the presentinvention will become apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art uponexamination of the following examples, which are not intended to belimiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects ofthe present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in theclaims section below finds experimental support in the followingexamples.

Examples

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with theabove descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non limiting fashion.

A prototype drawer configuration of the present system was constructedand tested for its ability to generate and maintain a vacuum over storeditems.

A cabinet having a height of 30 cm, a width of 60 cm and a depth of 60cm was constructed from plywood. A box having a height of 20 cm, a widthof 50 cm and a depth of 40 cm was constructed from 17 mmpolymethylmethacrylate (Lucite) sheet. The box was halved at an 18degree angle (sloping downward along side, front to back) and the tophalf was fixed to the interior top half of the cabinet. The bottom halfof the box formed the movable drawer assembly and was fitted on railsfastened to the interior side of the cabinet. A sheet of latex was gluedto the bottom surface of the top half of the box creating the top wallof the storage chamber. The side walls and bottom wall of the movabledrawer assembly define the side walls and bottom wall of the storagechamber (respectively). A compressible closed-cell foam seal was gluedto the top surface of the walls of the movable drawer assembly and agrid of interwoven wires was fixed to the bottom wall of the movabledrawer assembly. The grid also covered a portion of a side wall where a25 mm hole was drilled to form a port for the vacuum pump.

An 800 W vacuum cleaner pump (UFESA AM4330) was connected via an 32 mmair hose to an electromechanical selector which was in turn connected tothe vacuum port of the movable drawer assembly and the top half of thecabinet (above the pliable sheet) via two separate 32 mm air hoses. Thebottom hose was connected to the storage space (within movable drawer).The top hose to the space above the latex sheet (within the cabinet).

The selector functions in directing the air between the two hoses—whenthe bottom hose is suctioning air from the storage space in the movabledrawer, the top space (above the latex sheet) is vented to theatmosphere and vice a versa.

A control unit including a power unit, a programmable controller, relaysand pressure sensors was connected to the vacuum pump andelectromechanical switch. The movable drawer assembly was fitted with amicro-switch which is activated upon closure of the movable drawerassembly. The micro-switch activates the vacuum pump to suction air outof the storage chamber upon closure of the drawer. Once a predeterminedpressure is reached, the programmable controller automatically shuts offthe vacuum pump. Release of the vacuum is actuated by a push buttonpositioned on the front panel of the movable drawer.

FIGS. 8 a-c illustrate the prototype drawer in an open (FIG. 8 a),closed (FIG. 8 b) and deployed states (FIG. 8 c). As clearly seen fromthese images, food items placed on the grid at the bottom of the drawerare completely wrapped by the latex sheet upon activation of the vacuumpump. In fact, near complete wrapping (volume reduction of 90%, pressurereduction by 0.15 Atm) is achieved within 3 seconds using thisprototype, while return to the state shown in FIG. 8 b (which enablesdrawer opening) can be achieved within 3 seconds.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims. All publications, patents and patentapplications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated intheir entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extentas if each individual publication, patent or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein byreference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference inthis application shall not be construed as an admission that suchreference is available as prior art to the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for storing items comprising a rigidchamber having an internal space and including a mechanism forgenerating a storage space within said internal space, said storagespace having reduced volume and pressure as compared to said internalspace.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said mechanism includes apliable sheet defining at least one wall of said storage space and adevice for creating a pressure difference between a first and a secondsurface of said pliable sheet to thereby generate said storage spacecharacterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to saidinternal space.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said pressuredifference deforms said pliable sheet.
 4. The system of claim 2, whereinsaid device is a vacuum pump capable of drawing air out of said storagespace or a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of said internalspace not occupied by said storage space.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein at least one wall defining said internal space of said rigidcontainer also defines a wall of said storage space.
 6. The system ofclaim 2, wherein said pliable sheet is elastic.
 7. The system of claim2, wherein said pliable sheet is capable of at least partially wrappingthe items stored in said storage space.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein said rigid chamber is configured as a drawer.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein said drawer includes a sealing surface for sealing saidrigid chamber when said drawer is closed.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein said sealing surface is configured such that opening and closingof said drawer does not substantially generate friction on said sealingsurface.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said sealing surface isangled with respect to an axis of movement of said drawer.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a shelf for holding the items,said shelf being configured for allowing air to flow around or throughsaid shelf.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said shelf includes airflow passages configured for allowing air to flow therethrough ortherearound.
 14. A rigid container for storing items comprising: (a) alid and a pliable sheet disposed under said lid; (b) a shelf disposedabove a bottom wall of the container; and (c) an air inlet for a pumpdisposed between said bottom wall and said shelf.
 15. The container ofclaim 14, wherein said pliable sheet is attached to said lid.
 16. Thecontainer of claim 14, wherein said pliable sheet is attached to a framepositionable under said lid.
 17. The container of claim 14, wherein saidshelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flowthrough or around said shelf.
 18. The container of claim 14, whereinsaid pliable sheet is elastic.
 19. A method of storing food itemscomprising: (a) providing a rigid container having an internal spacedefined by a bottom wall, side walls and a lid, said container includinga pliable sheet postionable under said lid and a shelf postionable abovesaid bottom wall; (b) placing the food items on said shelf and closingthe container with said pliable sheet and lid; and (c) creating apressure differential between a bottom and top surfaces of said pliablesheet to thereby pull the membrane downward to thereby reduce the volumeof air surrounding the food items.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinsaid pressure differential is generated via a pump connected to an airinlet disposed between said bottom wall and said shelf.
 21. The methodof claim 19, wherein said shelf includes air flow passages configuredfor allowing air to flow through or around said shelf.
 22. The method ofclaim 19, wherein said pliable sheet is elastic.